Drug Abuse: A Threat To The Teenager, Youth And Society -By Ezerino Favour Orezi

Drug abuse is one of the major problems facing the society especially among young people. Drug is a substance used to treat an illness, relieve a symptom, or modify a chemical process in the body for a specific purpose. Abuse is the improper treatment or usage application to a wrong or bad purpose. Therefore, drug abuse is the excessive or improper use of drugs without prescription, below prescription, above prescription or for other purpose other than their original use. Drug abuse is becoming a serious issue everyday because it affect how teenagers and youth (both male and female) behave and truncate their future. Many young people are affected by the misuse of substances like cocaine, cannabis, tramadol, codeine, heroine, LSD, etc.

Different factors contribute to drug abuse. Some of the factors that make young people abuse drugs are Peer pressure: It is one of the most common causes of drug abuse. Young people may be influenced or induced by their friends to try drugs. Another factor is curiosity: When they see their friends taking drugs they would want to try and see what will happen to them. Stress and depression is also one of the factors that aid drug abuse. When they are down, they usually take drugs to make them relax and ease their stress, and forget their sorrow and challenges, unknown to them that their problem is still there waiting for them. They also see drug abuse as a means to escape reality and to feel accepted in a group. Some young people abuse drugs just to have fun, instant gratification, or out of a desire for excitement. They take drugs just to be happy. Many also abuse drugs because they are modeling after parents’ behavior. They saw their parents taking drugs, so they saw it as a normal thing and decided to take after their parents.

Drug abuse has many harmful effects. It can damage important organs of the body such as the brain, liver, and heart. The drug can damage major organs in the body of the abuser. When harmful substances are taken excessively or wrongly, they affect body functions and may lead to long-term health problems. One of the major organs affected is the brain. Drugs can damage the brain cells. This may affect thinking, memory, and decision making.

It can also cause poor academic performance. Poor academic performance is one of the major negative effects of drug abuse, especially among students. The harmful substance they take affects the brain and body, making it difficult for students to perform well in their studies. A student who abuses drugs often finds it hard to pay attention in class.

Another harmful effect is mental illness, violence, and even death. Mental illness is one of the serious consequences of drug abuse. Many drugs affect the brain and can cause problems such as anxiety, depression, confusion, hallucination, and loss of touch with reality. A person may begin to behave strangely or develop long-term mental disorders if drug use continues. Drug abuse can also lead to violence. Some drugs make people aggressive, angry, and unable to control their actions and behavior. Under the influence of drugs, a person may fight, attack others, or engage in criminal activities. Most mad men and women you see on the road were drug abusers. Drug abuse can lead to overdose, where the body cannot handle the amount of drugs taken, and overdose may impair breathing, damage vital organs, or cause sudden death.

For example, Whitney Houston is the most awarded female artist of all time, known for her killer vocals in hits like “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, “I Will Always Love You”, and “The Greatest Love of All”. With over two hundred million albums sold worldwide and seven consecutive Billboard Hot 100 hits, her life was destroyed by drug addiction, and she died at the age of forty-eight.

Drug abuse affects the society, individuals, and their families. Their families suffer emotionally and financially, while the society experiences increased crime and insecurity. This is because if the abuser does not have money to buy their drugs, they tend to steal to get money to buy what they need to calm themselves.

To reduce drug abuse, parents should guide their children properly, teach them how to overcome peer pressure, and most importantly, pray for them. Schools also have their part to play in reducing drug abuse. Schools should educate students on its dangers and consequences. Seminars should be held on the subject of “Drug Abuse”. Also, government and organizations should actively fight it—agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should continue to campaign and arrest those doing things related to illegal drugs and trafficking. Young people should also avoid bad company and focus on positive activities. Don’t be afraid to resist social pressure to engage in drugs. SAY NO TO DRUGS.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a dangerous habit that destroys lives and weakens the society. Everyone has a role to play in fighting drug abuse and creating a healthier future for all.